ARTICLE
19 June 2017

Discrimination: The Ashers Bakery Case: an update

CO
Carroll & O'Dea

Contributor

Established over 120 years ago, Carroll & O’Dea Lawyers offers expert advice and strong advocacy for clients. With a commitment to high-level service and legal expertise in all areas, they blend tradition with modern skills.
Despite their actions being found to be unlawfully discriminatory, Asher's Bakery is recording an increase in profits.
Australia Government, Public Sector

The Asher's Bakery Case appears to have taken on a life of its own since we last reported on it.

In our September 2015 newsletter we reported on (what we thought) would be the final chapter in the Asher's Bakery saga. Our article outlined the reasons why the decision of Presiding District Judge Brownlie, of the County Court of North Ireland, held that Asher's Bakery had unlawfully discriminated against the plaintiff, Gareth Lee, in refusing to bake a cake "with a coloured picture of 'Bert and Ernie', the logo of QueerSpace and the headline caption "Support Gay Marriage"'.

In October 2016 Asher's Bakery appealed the decision to the Northern Ireland Supreme Court, but they lost.

However, despite their actions being found to be unlawfully discriminatory, Asher's Bakery are continuing their practices. In May this year, the Belfast Telegraph reported that Asher's Bakery refused an order for an engagement cake for a same-sex couple. The couple's friend, who made the order, commented that "My gut instinct told me the cake was refused because it celebrated gay marriage."

In May is was also reported that the United Kingdom Supreme Court had agreed to, according to the Christian Times, "hear the legal arguments of a possible appeal by the Belfast-based bakers at a two-day hearing scheduled for October this year."

However, despite their very public losses in the courts, their business does not seem to have suffered detriment. In fact, the Belfast Telegraph recently reported that in 2016 Asher's Bakery "recorded an increase in profit of £170,500".



We continue to watch developments in this matter.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

Mondaq uses cookies on this website. By using our website you agree to our use of cookies as set out in our Privacy Policy.

Learn More